Melinnews editi

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InsideA day in the life of...

How Melin beat the burglar

Round-up of summer activities

and more!

Autumn 2010 www.melinhomes.co.uk

01

Contents

If you need this newsletter in large print, Braille, CD or explained in your own language, please contact Paula on 01495 745907.

03.

04.

05.

06.

07. .

09.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

17.

Melin teams up to beat the burglar

Helping more people to get onto the property ladder

Another ground force team gets underway

Rebecca gives unemployment the brush-off

Money Box

A day in the life of...

News from the Residents’ Panel Committee

Getting connected has huge benefits

Using technology to save money

Have a safe bonfire night

Summer round-up

Annual Report summary

02

Welcome... to your latest copy of Melin News

Welcome to our autumn edition of Melin News. I hope you all had a pleasant summer, even though the weather was not as hot as the weathermen predicted.

We have another packed newsletter for you and I hope you will find it useful as well as enjoyable to read.

Everyone at Melin has had a very busy summer with lots of things going on. You can find out what we have been doing on pages 15 and 16.

You can also find out about all the work we have been doing to create work and training opportunities for young people.

Rebecca Duffield is our latest success story. She started at Melin as a Future Job Fund trainee and is now a full-time member of staff and will be starting her apprenticeship this month.

We have our regular Money Box feature with money saving tips and advice and also a summary of our Annual Report giving you a small flavour of all the good things we did during 2009 to 2010.

Best wishes,

Chief Executive, Melin Homes

Do you have any suggestions about how we can improve Melin News? If yes, you can write to us at the address on the back page. Call 01495 745907 or email editor@melinhomes.co.uk

For all other enquiries, call 08453 101102..

Our Annual General Meeting will take place on Wednesday 29 September at 7pm at the Glen-Yr-Afon House Hotel, Usk. Everyone is welcome to attend. The meeting of the Residents’ Panel Committee will take place beforehand at 6pm. Please can you let us know if you are attending by calling 08453 101102.

Rebecca is a huge success with her new team mates

Melin news

03

Residents of Hillside, Abergavenny attended an event recently, organised by Melin, which gave practical advice on how to keep their property and belongings safe from theft.

Melin organised a fun activity session for the local children with a bouncy castle and other games, but the serious side of the event was targeted at parents and other residents who received a free padlock to secure their sheds.

Melin held the event after we became aware of a series of recent shed thefts and Gwent Police’s Community Support Officer Jon Sliczny also came along to give expert advice to residents on how to protect their home from burglars.

Melin gave everyone who attended a free padlock for their shed and residents also received other goodies from the police including a security pen for marking valuables.

Hillside resident, Vicky Smith who came to collect her free padlock said: “The padlocks and pens to mark your valuables are a very good idea. I shall definitely be using them to protect my belongings.”

Mark Gardner, Chief Executive explained: “We wanted to provide a practical answer to help the residents of Hillside and the free padlocks seemed the perfect answer that tied in completely with the Police’s beat the burglar campaign.”

Gwent Police joins forces with Gocompare.com to beat the burglars

Gwent Police is getting a helping hand from Gocompare.com’s opera singing character, Gio Compario.

Gio stars in a new 40 second film and is heard singing about the importance of securing your home to help beat the burglars.

In the film, Gio, catches a pair of burglars and encourages homeowners to lock their doors and windows when leaving their home, even if they are only popping out for a few minutes.

Gwent Police have made tackling burglary a priority and a series of anti-burglary operations have been organised resulting in nearly 400 arrests. Burglary figures are now falling rapidly but please make sure you close your windows and lock your doors, as in nearly 50% of burglary cases, this is how criminals are getting into homes.

To view the film visit: http://www.gwent.police.uk/beaware/media.html

Melin teams up to beat the burglar

Children have fun while parents learn how to beat the burglar

04

This summer has been record breaking for Melin as we helped 26 households get onto, or move further up, the property ladder. Since April, Melin has provided £1 million of financial help to enable people to buy their own homes.

We are all set to continue this trend by offering another way of helping people to buy their own homes.

The scheme is called DIY homebuy and is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government and Melin has been chosen to allocate it.

Funding for Monmouthshire has already been allocated, but there is still some left for people who live in Torfaen.

How does the scheme work?Funding for this scheme is only available until March 2011 so you will need to be in a position to buy now or over the next few months.

The scheme is based on shared equity, which means that Melin will own a stake of the house.You will buy a

50%-70% equity share in a property and Melin will then lend you money for the remaining share, which can either be repaid when the property is sold or, if you wish, you can buy a bigger stake of your home when you are able. You do not have to pay rent or interest on the stake we hold.

If you have found a property that is suitable to your needs, and you have agreed a mortgage with a lender, then you may be eligible for this scheme. Funding is mainly for first time buyers, but if anybody needs a larger home because of a change of circumstances and has a property to sell, we will consider an application.

The first thing you need to do is to register with us. Contact our Home Ownership Team on 01495 745928 or email homes@melinhomes.co.uk.

Helping people get onto the property ladder

In our Summer edition of Melin News we offered all our readers a chance to win a world cup football shirt. Our lucky winner was Kirsty Jones who lives in Cwrt Y Porth Fawr, Talywain with her daughter Ceryn.

We delivered Kirsty’s Brazil football shirt in time so she could cheer them on in their group matches.

Kirsty was thrilled with her prize and told us: “I chose Brazil because they were doing well. I love football and am a huge Liverpool fan. I watch as much as I can, when I have time.”

As you all probably remember, Brazil did not make it to the final and were knocked out in the quarter finals, but we are sure Kirsty was cheering them all the way.

Kirsty is our lucky winner

Melin news

05

Residents of Coed Eva and Fairwater in Cwmbran can now benefit from a new Melin Groundforce team.

The launch of the team follows on from the success of the Trevethin Groundforce and works in the same way, funded by the Government’s £1 billion Future Jobs Fund.

The team provide free gardening and landscaping services to anyone who lives in Coed Eva and Fairwater and can help with:

Grass cutting, strimming and weed spraying• Maintaining shrubs, beds and hedges• Removing litter and large items of rubbish• Removing graffiti• Tidying communal areas•

The team work from Monday to Thursday from 9am to 4pm.

Melin’s other Groundforce team, in Trevethin, is proving a huge success in their area. They were fully booked during the summer but also made time to lend a helping hand at St Cadocs Church by grass cutting and strimming in the church grounds.

If you would like help from either the Trevethin or the Coed Eva and Fairwater Groundforce teams call Mark on 01495 745927.

Walk scoops £235 for charity

Four inspirational residents from Victoria Court in Abergavenny with a combined age of 270 completed a four-mile walk to raise £235 for Nevill Hall’s cardiac rehabilitation unit. Isobel Griffiths, 81, was the oldest women to take part in the Brynbach Parc lap the lake fundraiser. She was accompanied by her neighbours, Mo Stevenson, 64, Joe Stevenson, 70, and Frank Sandland, 55.

Isobel said: “The cause is something close to my heart as my husband died of a massive heart attack. The event was great fun and there were a lot of people there. We completed the course in just over an hour – by the end of the four miles I was pleased we didn’t have to go any further, but we would have done if we had to.”

Residents of Victoria Court ready for the off

Another

gets underway

06

Rebecca gives unemployment the brush-off

Rebecca Duffield is our latest success story. She joined Melin in November as a Future Jobs Fund trainee and showed such promise as a painter and decorator that we offered her a full-time painting and decorating apprenticeship.

Rebecca is just one of many of our Future Jobs Fund successes. Since April 2010 we have given places to 33 trainees, of which, 6 have gone on to permanent jobs and Rebecca will be the seventh.

Jill Bergin, Melin’s Direct Workforce and Contract Manager explained: “It was clear to us that Rebecca had what it takes to work at Melin. She fitted in well with the team and was an excellent worker showing enthusiasm and commitment. We decided to offer Rebecca a three year apprenticeship which will start in September. “

Rebecca told us: “When Melin told me they were going to offer me an apprenticeship I was over the moon. Before joining Melin on the Future Jobs Fund programme, I was unemployed for nine months.

This is a dream come true for me, getting training and qualifications to do something I love. “

Future Jobs Fund is just one of several projects that we offer to help local people back into work or get training and qualifications.

Melin also has two graduate interns working on our “Getting Connected” project and two Housing Officers of the Future who get training and experience to help them towards their career in the housing sector.

Melin has an excellent track record of creating employment and training opportunities and we are continually looking for more opportunities to help people get back into work and training.

Rebecca can’t wait to start her apprenticeship

Melin news

07

MON£Y BOX Helping you make the most of y

our mon

ey

Your regular feature helping you save money with top tips from our Financial Inclusion Team.

New website gives people from Monmouthshire financial helpMonMoney.net is a new website for people living in Monmouthshire which gives information about organisations that offer financial advice. Go to www.monmoney.net to find out more.

Help with Council Tax for older residents living in TorfaenTorfaen Council is, for the second year running, giving older people a reduction in their Council Tax thanks to funding by the Welsh Assembly Government,

The scheme is for people who will be 73 or over on 31 December 2010 and do not receive Council Tax benefit. All applications must be received by 31 December 2010. You can apply by phoning 0800 652 5422 or call into one of the council offices.

If you are over 75 and had the reduction last year you do not need to contact the council as they already have your information and will automatically credit your next Council Tax bill (in February 2011).

Saving Gateway schemeIn the last edition of Money Box we told you about a new Government savings scheme called Saving Gateway. Unfortunately, not long after the newsletter was delivered the Government announced that the scheme has been cancelled.

Are you worried about your energy bills and staying warm during the winter?If you are elderly, disabled, living with a long-term health condition or a family on a low income, call the Home Heat Helpline for free, practical advice to help you save money on your energy bills.

They can help with:Advice on how to save money on your fuel bills • Flexible payment options for customers in arrears •

Call 0800 33 66 99 or visit www.homeheathelpline.org.uk

Winter Fuel PaymentsIf you have reached the age of 60 you may be able to get a Winter Fuel Payment to help pay for keeping warm this winter. This can be up to £400 depending on your situation.

To find out if you are eligible and how to apply, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Helpline on 0845 9 15 15 15 or you can get a form online at www.direct.gov.uk

08

MON£Y BOX Helping you make the most of y

our mon

ey

Have a stress free ChristmasIf you need a little extra cash this Christmas, you may want to think about a Credit Union loan. Credit Unions look at everyone’s circumstances, so even if you are on benefits or have had money troubles in the past, they may still be able to help.

As a comparison, a £500 loan from Gateway over 1 year will cost you just under £11 per week, and you would repay £63.32 in interest, paying a total of £563.32. A £500 loan from Provident, Greenwoods or Shopacheck would cost you over £300 in interest, leaving you to pay back at least £800.

Credit Unions have just started taking benefits payments direct into Credit Union accounts. Why not pay in your Child Benefit to save for Christmas, put away money for the kids or have some money saved for when you need something?

Where is my local Credit Union?For people who live in NewportNewport Credit Union Tel: 01633 214913www.newportcreditunion.co.uk

For people who live in Torfaen and MonmouthshireGateway Credit Union Tel: 01495 750020www.gatewaycu.co.uk

For people who live in Blaenau Gwent and CaerphillySmart Money Credit Union Tel: 029 2088 3751www.smartmoneycreditunion.co.uk

For people who live in Crickhowell and BreconBrecon and District Credit Union Tel: 01874 620104www.breconanddistrictcreditunion.co.uk

This is a new financial advice project for people living in Torfaen, Newport, Monmouthshire and Blaenau Gwent, which is run by the Disability Advice Project (DAP) and based in their office in Cwmbran.

The project will help people:

who want to start • saving moneyto open a bank • account with financial and debt • adviceto insure the contents • of their home

Melin is just one of many partners working with the DAP on this project, which is run by volunteers who will give advice to people on both a group and one-to-one basis.

If you are a member of a group or an individual who would like a visit from a “Now let’s talk money” advisor, phone 01633 485865 to make an appointment.

Now let’s talk money

Watch out for scams

Scams are schemes to con you out of your money. They usually come by post, phone or email.

Warning signsBeware of hype and extravagant promises. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is • When you are contacted out of the blue by someone you don’t know• Scammers don’t like to give you time to think. They will pressure you into making a decision • You have to give bank account details. Trustworthy firms will never ask for this information • If you suspect a scam, don’t reply. Bin it, delete it or hang up•

For information or to report a scam, contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or visit their website on www.consumerdirect.gov.uk

“

Melin news

09

8.30 am

“I call into our Pontypool office to get my worksheet for the day. Have a quick chat with the rest of the team, order any parts and report any outstanding jobs.”

10.00am

“I make my emergency visit to Mr and Mrs D who have reported a major water leak from a pipe in the bathroom. Luckily, Mr D knew where the stop tap was, so he was able to stop the water from doing more damage.”

9.30am

“I have to make a call to my next appointment as the office has called me about an emergency water leak. They are very understanding and I rearrange a new time with them for the next day.”

8.45am

“My first call is to Mrs S in Pontypool who is having trouble with her hot water and the settings on her heating system. Very often people do not understand how to get the best out of their heating system. I show her how to alter the temperature and times of her hot water and central heating so that she can get the most benefit from it and not be paying for heating she does not need.”

Melin’s Direct Workforce Gas and Plumbing Team is always very busy. The nine members

make sure that our 3,000 homes are in good state of repair, which involves them carrying out

thousands of repairs every year.

We went along with Joel, one of Melin’s gas engineers, to find out what a typical day was like.

If you would like a visit from

an engineer to explain how to

get the best results from your

heating system, ring us now

for an appointment. Don’t wait

until winter when we are at our

busiest, call us now on

0800 9753 149.

A day in the life of...

8 9 10 11

We try very hard to keep our appointments,

but sometimes we have to make other

arrangements if we get an emergency call

out. Please be patient and understanding.

Do you know how to switch off your water, gas and electricity in an

emergency? If you don’t, give us a call and we can talk you through it. We

advise you to spend half an hour finding out this information so that in an

emergency, you are prepared and can limit any damage.

“

10

4.00pm

“Another gas service, which again goes smoothly and now I can go home for my tea. It’s not the end of my day as I’m on call this evening to deal with any emergencies. I wonder what I will have in store for tomorrow?”

2.45pm

“I call to Mrs R in Cwmbran, who has reported a problem with a leaking tap. Leak sorted, I’m off to my next job. “

11.30 am

“Off to Abergavenny to see Mr and Mrs P for their annual gas safety check. We must carry out a gas safety check for every Melin Home, every year. That’s quite a lot of appointments. Mr and Mrs P are expecting me, as a morning appointment was made.”

1:30pm

“After a quick lunch I am off to another emergency call out. Mr J has reported a break-down of his heating system. When I arrive, I find the system needs new parts, which have to be ordered. I suggest that Mr J has temporary heating while we wait for the parts to be delivered, as he has a critical medical condition. I explain that we will be in touch when the parts arrive to arrange to call and fit them.”

We must, by law, carry out a yearly safety check on your gas appliances. It is vital that you keep the appointments we arrange with you. Since April we have carried out 1,156 services but 170 of these had to be re-arranged as residents were not at home when our engineer called.

8 9 10 11

If you are waiting for a repair and you are without heating for any

length of time during cold weather or if someone in the house

has a medical condition,

or is vulnerable, we will provide you with temporary heating.

If you need advice on ways to save water, particularly if you have a

water meter, please ask

us when we call.

Reporting a repair

Between Monday to Friday from 9am to

5pm you can report all repairs by calling

0800 9753 149 or email us at:

repairs@melinhomes.co.uk

For emergency repairs outside these

hours you must call 01495 325333.

How do I know if my repair is an

emergency?

• Emergency repairs are those that

are likely to cause a danger to health

or serious damage to the property

such as flooding or gas leaks

• Urgent repairs are those that need

to be carried out quickly to avoid

serious damage to your home, such

as lack of heating or hot water

• Routine repairs are day-to-day

repairs such as blocked gutters or

repairs to kitchen units

• Gas leaks should be reported

immediately on 0800 111 999

Melin news

11

Residents Associations can now get funding from the Residents’ Panel Committee to help with the administrative costs of running their group. Associations can qualify for a grant of £200 for up to 25 properties and £300 for 26 or more properties. Accounts will be audited by Melin.

Helping schemes to bloomDoes your communal garden need a make-over? If yes, you can apply for a grant to buy plants and shrubs.

Just complete an application form and send it to us. It will be presented to the next Panel Committee meeting where a decision will be made.

Since April, we have awarded grants of over £2,000 for landscaping projects.

If you are unable to do the work yourselves, we can arrange for our landscaping contractor to carry out the work. Ideally, the grant should be used to buy plants and residents carry out the gardening themselves. This way all the money is used to improve gardens. Contact Rose Matthews for an application form.

Youth and adult Achievement AwardsThe winners of the 2010 Achievement Awards have been chosen; and the winners are:

Youth Awards: Gary and Faye Mathews from • Monmouth Adult Awards: Mr Andrew Woolfall, Pontypool • and Mrs Rose Matthews, Pontypool

The awards, sponsored by British Gas, will be presented at the Panel’s 2010 Annual General Meeting starting at 6pm on 29 September at the Glen-Yr-Afon Hotel, Usk. Melin’s AGM will follow at 7pm.

The members of the Residents’ Panel Committee for 2010/11 year will be:

Mrs Toula Pearson • Mr Clive Rees • Mrs Patricea Harris • Mr Ted Reynolds • Mr Rex Codd • Mr Mark Gibbons • Mrs Kath Rees • Mr Mike Browne • Mr Lionel Reese • Mr John Fender (Co-opted member)•

There are seven members from the existing committee and three new members. As only ten residents put their name forward they will automatically form the new committee and no election is required.

The officers of the committee will be decided at their first meeting after the AGM which will be held on 5th October.

Residents’ Panel Committee update

The Panel take five minutes break from their meeting for a photograph

How to contact the Residents’ Panel Committee

Melin Residents’ Panel CommitteeMelin Homes, Ty’r Efail, Lower Mill FieldPontypool, Torfaen, NP4 0XJresidentspanel@melinhomes.co.uk08453 101102

Melin has recently delivered and installed over 150 home computers though our Universal Home Access project thanks to funding from the Heads of the Valley Improvement Project.

Residents from North Torfaen were able to have a new computer and an opportunity to learn IT skills at Church View, Blaenavon, a Melin owned building, which is run in partnership between the Workers’ Educational Association (South Wales), Torfaen County Borough Council and Torfaen Voluntary Alliance. They provide educational opportunities in the Blaenavon community.

Malcolm and Cynthia Bailey of Cwrt Y Porth Fawr, Talywain had their new computer a month ago and they are over the moon with it.

Malcolm, who is retired, had never had a computer before, but jumped at the chance when we offered him a free one.

“I have learnt to do so much already” he told us. “I have enrolled in computer classes at Church View and I can drop in any time for a session. I have already used my computer to email friends and family, sort out my phone bill online and have even started to look for a holiday. This is one of the best things to happen to us and I can’t thank Melin enough.”

We went with Malcolm to Church View to one of his computer classes. His tutor Pauline explained a little about the training.

“We have quite a few people at our classes who have had a free computer from Melin. They like the classes because they can go at their own pace and learn in their own time. Some people do our virtual learning, which means they can take their classes from the comfort of their own home.”

If you would like to learn IT skills, either at Church View, or by learning at home, contact the Workers Education Association (WEA) on 01495 791128.

12

Getting connected has huge benefits

Mr and Mrs Bailey are making the most of their new computer

Mr Bailey has computer

lessons at Church View

Melin news

13

Melin’s Direct Workforce Team has recently made an investment to train staff and hire equipment to help save time and money on the redecoration of your homes.

Our painters and decorators can now be seen painting the outside of homes using the latest, modern access platform.

Traditionally, Melin’s painters could not begin work until scaffolding had been put up. Now the job is much easier with the self-propelled platform, which can reach up to 40 foot high and has a reach of 20 feet. The job is now completed in half the time.

Darren O’Callaghan, one of Melin’s painting and decorating team told us: “It is much easier using this equipment. It gives us better access to the houses and the job gets done quicker. Luckily, I am not afraid of heights, so I enjoy using it.”

Jill Bergin, Melin’s Direct Workforce and Contracts Manager explained: “There are benefits for both us and residents by using this new equipment. Previously, painting the outside of a house would take us 3 to 4 days.

Having to put up and take down scaffolding is quite time consuming. Now it only takes 2 days and residents do not have scaffolding around their house while we are working, making a safer environment for both painters and residents. While the access platform is on site, it allows us to carry out other essential maintenance work.

So far this year we have painted 139 homes. By using this new equipment on larger sites, a huge financial saving can be achieved, for example a scheme of 7 properties, can be completed with the access platform within a week at a cost of £250 per week, compared with hire costs for scaffolding in the region of £1400.

Using technology to save money

Darren reaches dizzy heights

Pets as therapy

At a recent visit to Ty George Lansbury, our extra care scheme in Cwmbran, we found residents making a fuss of one of their favourite visitors.

Paula Clarke, a volunteer with the national charity, Pets as Therapy came along to the scheme with her eight year old rescue Greyhound Storm.

Pets as Therapy is a national charity which provides comfort, companionship and therapy to over 130,000 people every week.

Evelyn Reynolds gave up her pet when she came to Ty George Lansbury and thoroughly enjoys Storms’ visits. She told us: “I miss having animals in my life. Seeing Storm is better than a dose of medicine.”

Paula explained: “It is lovely to watch the residents interacting with Storm. I have been coming here for a couple of months and he has made some firm friends.” Pets as Therapy are always looking for new volunteers with friendly, well behaved dogs or cats to visit patients.

Visit their website at www.petsastherapy.org or phone 01844 345445.

Have a safe bonfire night

14

Bonfire night and autumn are times when people have more garden fires. To help you keep safe, here are some top tips to having a bonfire.

Bonfires can cause air pollution, damage to your health and can be, at least, annoying and, at most, dangerous.

Do you need to have a fire? Why not try composting and recycling instead. Your council can give you advice on how to do it.

Is it illegal to have a bonfire at a certain time? No, you can have a bonfire at any time, but think about what you burn and when you burn it. If you are only burning dry garden waste, your bonfire should not cause a problem.

How do I complain about a bonfire? A fire would have to be a persistent problem before the council takes action. If you are having trouble with neighbour bonfires, talk to them first and if this fails, contact your council’s environmental health department.

If you have a bonfire, warn your neighbours and follow these guidelines:

Only burn dry material • Never burn household rubbish, tyres or • anything containing plastic, foam or paint Don’t light a fire in unsuitable weather. Smoke • hangs in the air on damp, still days and if it is windy, smoke blows into neighbours’ gardens and windows Avoid burning when air pollution levels in your • area are high

You can check air quality on 0800 556677 or • at www.airquality.co.uk Keep your fire away from trees, fences and • buildings Never use oil, petrol or methylated spirits to • light a fire Never leave a fire unattended or leave it to • smoulder

Having a bonfire party? Follow our firework safety tips.

Only buy fireworks which are marked BS 7114• Follow firework instructions • Make supports for catherine wheels or rockets• You will need a closed metal box to store • the fireworks and a bucket of water to cool sparklers and put out small firesOnly one person should be responsible for • letting off fireworksDon’t drink alcohol if you are letting off • fireworksLight fireworks at arm’s length, using a taper• Make sure everyone stands well back• Never go back to a firework that has been lit • Sparklers are fun, but supervise children and • never give them to a child under five Keep pets indoors away from noise and • flashing lightsNever put fireworks in your pocket or throw • themNever throw spent fireworks on a bonfire•

15

Melin news

• Since June staff and members of the Residents’ Panel committee have been on 6 estate visits

• We have 10 new developments underway, building a total of 144 new homes

• We have held 12 information roadshows and events throughout South East Wales

• We have given three education bursaries totalling

£3,000 to help people return to education and training

• Our Residents’ Panel Committee recognised

the community work of two adults and two young people with their Achievement Awards

• We have given four grants through our Jump Fund which provides funding of up to £250 for projects and activities which benefit our residents and communities

• We visited many different places such as local markets, estates, carnivals and supermarkets and the Wales’ National Eisteddfod

• Sixty staff gave advice and information to over 800 people on many different subjects such as jobs, training, money, home security and housing

• We carried out 4,667 repairs

• Our Melin Bus travelled 2011 miles visiting 58 different venues

Melin has had a very busy summer. You may have seen our Melin bus out and about, you may live close to where we are building new, affordable homes or you may have attended one of our information roadshows or fundays.

Melin does a lot more than just building and managing homes. We really care about the people who live in our homes and the communities in which they live.

Here is just a flavour of what we have been doing throughout the summer.

Melin gets out and about this summer

16

Symbols

New developments

Jump fundawards

Educationbursaries

Visits by theMelin Bus

Activity and fundays

Informationroadshows

Achievementawards

Estate visits

Consultation

1

1

3

4

5

2

2

3

4

5

Powys

Monmouthshire

Newport

Torfaen

Blaenau Gwent

2011 Miles

Melin news

17

Every year we take a look back at the previous year to see how well we performed, against what we said we would do. When we looked back at 2009/10 we discovered, not only were we on track, but that we had achieved a lot more than predicted, all of which I am extremely proud of. I would like to share some of our achievements with you so here is just a small amount of what we did. You can see our full Annual Report on our website at www.melinhomes.co.uk

More than just bricks and mortarWe have secured nearly £1.5 million in funding which was invested • into local communities We launched our Money Mentors scheme which has not only • helped seven local people back into work, but also helped the wider community by signposting them to financial, housing and employment adviceWe have developed two Ground Force greening and cleaning • teams, getting 11 people back to work

Helping people get connectedOur “getting connected” programme has delivered free home • computers and broadband to over 150 homes enabling each family to save, potentially, over £500 a yearOur Melin bus has online access with two lap-tops • We are hosting two graduates who have become digital friends • to our residents

Working with young peopleWe have given 35 employment places to young people through • projects such as; Future Jobs Fund, Housing Officers of the Future and Graduate Intern SchemesWe gave £2,500 to help 12 community groups through our • Jump Fund

Building new homes We have completed 116 new homes • We have helped 9 people through our Mortgage Rescue•

SchemeWe have helped 33 people to buy their own home• We have secured £9.2 million in funding to build new homes•

Melin - a green organisationWe were UK winners of the Chartered Institute of Housing • Cymru ‘Increasing Environmental Sustainability” award for our energy efficiency work We received £1.5 million of funding to allow us to make 250 of • our homes more energy efficient. We have been successful in a bid of a further £1million for this year to allow us to continue our energy efficiency improvements

Look what we achieved last year

18

Management costs

Care & Repair

Responsive repairs

Planned maintenance

Service costs

Borrowings

Depreciation

How each pound we received was spent25p

8p

18p

24p

8p

12p

5p

£

Improving and maintaining homesWe carried out over 10,000 repairs during the year• During the past year, £2 million on planned maintenance work has been completed • We carried out 1,952 gas safety services – that’s 96% of our properties•

Working with our residentsWe launched our counselling and mediation services, the first in Wales, for residents who are victims of • anti-social behaviourWe were runner-up at a National Award ceremony for our innovative approach to tackling anti-social • behaviourOur benefits advice service helped 223 of our residents to get £138,244 of unclaimed benefits •

Care and Repair - Helping older and disabled people to remain in their own homes in Torfaen and Monmouthshire

1,370 clients have received a Caseworker or Technical Officer visit • We claimed an extra £256,168 in benefits on behalf of our clients• We raised nearly £47,115 in funding allowing 29 clients to have repairs and adaptations to their • homes

Resident involvement The Residents’ Panel Committee gave £8,000 in funding to 37 groups and individuals • The 10 voluntary members of the Residents’ Panel Committee give up approximately 2,500 hours • of their free time

Talking and listeningWe consulted with every Melin resident in North Torfaen about their access to digital services • Staff and Resident Panel Committee members made 24 estate visits on the Melin Bus answering residents • questions and covering 80% of Melin communities

Helping residents to become financially secureWe were the first Housing Association to launch a financial inclusion strategy which has been • identified as best practice by our peersSince April, Money Mentors have helped more than 60 people with financial, housing and employment • problems bringing them a saving of over £30,000

Melin staff - a valued resourceWe are the lead employer in Torfaen of Future Job Fund trainees and have so far offered 33 places, • seven of which have gone on to find permanent employmentOur staff attended 260 training courses, conferences and seminars resulting in 36 staff gaining a • recognised national qualification

MelinTy’r Efail, Lower Mill Field, Pontypool, Torfaen, NP4 0XJ

T: General enquiries 08453 101102 T: Repairs 0800 9753149

E: e-mail enquiries@melinhomes.co.uk W: www.melinhomes.co.uk

Residents’ PanelT: 08453 101102 E: e-mail residentspanel@melinhomes.co.uk